Late Actress Kim Ji-mee Honored with Order of Cultural Merit (Gold Crown) for Cinematic Legacy

The late, acclaimed actress Kim Ji-mee will be posthumously awarded the prestigious Order of Cultural Merit (Gold Crown), the highest honor bestowed by the South Korean government, signifying her profound impact on the nation's film industry.

On April 14th, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Min-ho, representing the government, visited the memorial space dedicated to Kim Ji-mee at the Seoul Cinema Center to present the award.

The Order of Cultural Merit is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of culture and arts and enriched public cultural life. The Gold Crown signifies the first-grade honor.

The government recognized Kim Ji-mee's legacy, stating, "Since her debut in 1957, she broadened the horizons for female characters in Korean cinema by portraying a wide range of roles, even during times when female-centric narratives were limited." They added, "She was recognized as an actress symbolizing the film culture of an era, possessing both popular appeal and artistic merit."

Furthermore, the government acknowledged her contributions to the film industry's infrastructure and development, noting, "She actively contributed to expanding film production foundations and industrial growth by establishing Jini Film and working as a producer, thereby playing a substantial role in protecting the Korean film ecosystem and strengthening its institutional framework."

Kim Ji-mee debuted in 1957 with director Kim Ki-young's film 'Twilight Train.' Her performances in works such as 'The Land' and 'Gilsotteum' earned her accolades, including the Best Actress award at the Panama International Film Festival and the Grand Bell Award, leading to her being dubbed the 'Elizabeth Taylor of the East'.

The beloved actress passed away on April 7th in Los Angeles, USA, at the age of 85.

The news of her passing has been met with widespread mourning from fans and colleagues. Netizens have expressed their sorrow, with comments like 'A great star of Korean cinema has fallen' and 'Your performances will be remembered forever.'